The author will give a presentation on his research Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Fairfield University Bookstore in Fairfield Center (the former Borders).

In the book, Lehman delves into the crops, livestock and seafood that have shaped eating in Connecticut over the past 400 years.

"A History of Connecticut Food" explores both the high and low ends of what people in the Nutmeg State have relished, from chicken potpie and fried oysters to such oddities as Grape-Nuts pudding and steamed cheeseburgers

His earlier books include "Bridgeport: Tales From the Park City" and "A History of Connecticut Wine."

Child biographer

I'm happy to report that my summer "Book Beat" subject Bob Spitz, who made a few Connecticut stops on his national book tour, is returning to talk about his terrific book, "Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child," at Fairfield University on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.

The talk will take place in the Barone Campus Center Oak Room and is free. The event is part of "The Inspired Writer," an author series of the University's MFA in Creative Writing Program.

Spitz has an amazingly varied background as a writer and musician that includes managing and occasionally playing with Bruce Springsteen in the mid-1970s. In 1980 he turned his attention to writing and is the author of seven books, including the best-selling biography "The Beatles."

"Dearie" was published in August on what would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday. The author is working with Graham Nash on the singer's memoir and will soon begin work on a biography of President Ronald Reagan.

When I talked to him last summer, Spitz said he wouldn't sit down to write a biography until he's done enough research to feel like he is in the same room as his subject. The result is a remarkably personal approach to biography that often reads like an autobiography. Visit www.fairfield.edu/mfa.

Christmas birth

Trumbull writer Bernice L. Rocque will be doing a talk about her new book, "Until the Robin Walks on Snow," at the Watermark in Bridgeport on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The event is part of the Watermark at 3030 Park's monthly Book and Author series.

The novella is about the attempt by a midwife and an immigrant family to save a premature baby during the Christmas season of 1922. Rocque based the book on the story of her own uncle's birth, who weighed less than two pounds, and was saved by his family and a devoted midwife.

The author told me that she had a midwife, obstetrician and historian review her manuscript before it was published.

"Besides historical fiction fans and genealogy buffs, I think the book will most interest 60- to 90-year-old readers of Eastern European heritage, especially Polish, Lithuanian and Russian folks," she said.

In her talk, Rocque plans to discuss the everyday life of her immigrant family during the 1920s in Connecticut. She also will encourage those attending to share their own stories from the past.

Rocque has worked as a librarian, educator and project manager. She has written stories about her family history for "Good Old Days" magazine and "Family Chronicle." The lecture is free, but reservations are required. Call 203-374-5611.